Love Your Network- communities across Leigh-on-sea and Essex offered extra boost for local walking, wheeling and cycling trails

February 19, 2026

Leading active travel charity, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, is encouraging local community groups in Essex to access new funding to help nurture their local, traffic-free routes on the National Cycle Network.

The Love Your Network grant is offering resources and equipment for community groups across England, who are helping care for their local trails. The National Cycle Network is a 12,000-mile strong UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling and cycling - connecting local communities to the outdoors and the things that matter most to them.

By caring for these spaces, local groups and volunteers make journeys on the National Cycle Network more attractive and enjoyable for everyone, as well as improving the local environment and community.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust are the custodians of the Network and work with volunteers' community groups, landowners and local authorities to keep these routes inclusive and welcoming spaces.

Katie Aartse-Tuyn, Director of Volunteering at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust said: “Local community groups and volunteers are at the centre of our people-powered movement, helping nurture the National Cycle Network across neighbourhoods in every corner of the UK.

“We’re delighted to launch Love Your Network across England and to offer more resources to support the amazing work of volunteers throughout the country. The love and care they show for our Network keeps these local lifelines alive and helps even more people walk, wheel and cycle.”

The initiative, funded by Active Travel England and delivered through Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, is now open for applications. The charity is encouraging groups to apply as soon as possible before the deadline on 14th June 2026.

If you’re interested in applying for the grant or want more information on Love Your Network visit the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk